Why You Need to have a diet plan for diabetes. 

All foods affect your blood glucose, but some foods have a bigger effect than others, for example foods that are rich in carbohydrates, fats and calories. 

The diet plan will help you focus on healthy eating patterns. You can always consult your doctor or nutritionist to help you develop a healthy eating plan that includes food proportions to help manage your diabetes. 

A diet plan will also help you control your weight and reduce the risk of developing heart diseases. 

Eating habits for people with Diabetes

It is recommended for people with diabetes to eat healthy meals at regular times. This helps them utilize the small amounts of insulin that the body makes or the insulin they get from the medicine they take. 

A dietitian or health care provider will advise you to take food portions that suit your body size and level of physical activity. 

Generally, people living with diabetes should eat nutritious foods that include healthy carbohydrates, proteins, fibre-rich foods and unsaturated fats. 

According to the CDC, a good meal plan for diabetes entails the following: 

•Eating more non-starchy vegetables such as broccoli, spinach and green beans.

•Carbohydrates should be taken with foods that have protein, fat or fibers to slow down how quickly the carbohydrates may raise your blood sugar.

•You can include very few added sugars and refined grains such as white bread, rice and pasta. Instead, consume more of whole foods and reduce processed foods. 

•Limit intake of saturated fats. Instead utilize healthy fats such as avocado, nuts, olive oil but in moderate amounts.

•Replace sugar sweetened beverages such as sodas with whole fruits instead. 

•Reduce sodium intake

•Reduce alcohol intake.

•Your dietitian can advise on some common meal tips that are recommended for people with diabetes such as:

  • Counting Carbs: This involves keeping track of the amount of carbohydrates you take at every meal.
  • The plate method: It helps in balancing the different types of foods you take at every meal. For instance, you may have a half of the plate having vegetables or salad, a quarter of the plate with protein such as chicken, eggs, fish and milk, and the other quarter with carbohydrates. 

•You can work with diabetes educator or dietitian to prepare your meal plan that includes guidance on the portion of food you should take. 

•Always ensure you check labels when buying food. 

BLOOD SUGAR MONITORING 

Monitoring your blood sugar is very key to help you manage diabetes.

Monitoring will help you know what the specific things that affect your blood sugar level. Therefore you will be able to make the necessary changes in terms of lifestyle habits to manage the diabetes.  Monitoring also helps your health care provider to make decisions on your care plan.

Blood sugar monitoring is done using blood sugar meters (also known as glucometers). Glucometers allow you to read your blood glucose level as well as recording them for you. You can also do a written record for reference.

Ensure you know how to use a glucometer or ask your doctor to show you.

Below are steps to test your blood sugar provided by the Center for Disease Control (CDC).

  • Make sure the meter is charged and ready to use.
  • Wash your hands with soap and warm water, and dry well before each test.
  • Massage or shake out your hand to get blood into your finger.
  • Use a lance to prick your finger. Squeezing from the base of the finger, gently place a small amount of blood onto the test strip.
  • Place the strip in the meter. After a few seconds, the blood sugar reading will appear.
  • Track and record your results. You may want to keep notes about anything that might have affected your reading.
  • Dispose of the lancet and strip in a trash container.
  • Do not share blood sugar monitoring equipment, especially lancets, with anyone, even other family members.